Standing behind a microphone, seductively handsome in dark, tailored suits, crooning songs of love and longing written decades before his birth, Chicago crooner Joe Freer’s cognac-smooth style is mesmerizing. A breath of fresh air in today’s auto-tuned pop world, Freer’s commanding stage presence and pure, rich baritone vocals transport his audiences to the days of classic legends like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and current legends like Michael Buble.
Whether singing a jazz standard, a pop classic, or a love ballad, Freer’s soulful yet classic style shines through. One of Chicago’s most sought after crooners, his vocal styling and presence is second none. Performing with Chicago’s best jazz musicians Freer puts a wonderful new spin on the standards most loved, and takes control of everything from singing and playing to song writing and arranging. His trademark song, “Sway”, exemplifies the passion within him as his insinuating voice becomes blatantly seductive the lower he sings, asserting his power as a crooning force to be reckoned with.
A Chicago native and the third of four sons, Freer grew up in a modest, hardworking family. His early talent was discovered and shaped by a high school music teacher who first noticed his astonishing vocal skills and persuaded him to pursue a music career. Freer’s extraordinary natural talent quickly escalated. Driven by an ambitious, determined spirit, Freer thrust into high gear, seeking a deeper connection to his musicality. At age 16 he purchased his first guitar, learned to play and quickly found himself composing music, singing with local bands and performing in community theatre. From there began his love and passion of the performing arts.
Freer can be seen performing regularly at Chicago venues such as Twelve West Elm, The Drake, The Joynt, Four Farthings, Davenport’s, Green Mill, and Swirl Wine Bar. Past performances include The Taste of the Gold Coast, The Green Dolphin Street, Old Towne Brasserie and Chicago’s Mid America Club.
